Brushing up on basics

A trip to Guinea puts ECOSERV consultants to the test

A recent contract to test emissions on a bauxite drying process in Guinea ( Conakry ) turned out to be quite a challenge for ECOSERV consultant Bryan Taylor and MD Quentin Hurt.

“We went to Guinea in November to provide source emission measurements for CBG's plant in Conakry ,” says Bryan . “The nature of the work was not that complicated - we had to take particulate measurements on the ducting leading from the scrubbers to the main stack, in order to determine whether or not the scrubbers were working efficiently.”

But it wasn't long before this straightforward job turned into a logistical nightmare.

“It took three days to get to the plant – we flew to Senegal , then to Guinea , and then caught a CBG company plane out to the plant the next day. It is a long, tiring trip and made even more difficult by traveling with equipment.”

It was the equipment that turned out to be the real thorn in their side – especially since SAA lost baggage containing crucial equipment. But fortunately, the pair found equipment on site that they were able to modify.

“The equipment consisted of a variety of components from two manual samplers,” says Quentin. “Not all the glassware and connections fitted so we had to do some work to make sure that we had one kit that was leak free. All measurement instruments were manual and all were in imperial units, which meant we had to re-write and revalidate all work procedures on site.”

And while the modifications meant that they could complete the job (just outside the original time constraints), they had mixed feelings about their accomplishments.

“We wanted to make sure that everything was absolutely correct,” says Quentin. “It was difficult for us to leave site with uncertainty about our results – we knew we would not be able to validate our imperial unit spreadsheets until we returned and had undertaken an internal review. As it turned out, our results were acceptable. We were pleased that we had been resourceful enough to get the work done.”

Importantly, the client was pleased that ECOSERV completed the work on schedule. “We were able to contribute other process data as part of the work which we hope will prove valuable in optimizing CBG's process,” Quentin adds.

The next time ECOSERV goes to Guinea , things might be done a little differently. Bryan would like to send equipment ahead by courier, and Quentin would like to allow for more time to complete the tasks.

“We take communications so much for granted: the ubiquitous cell phone and English. But we learnt patience in Guinea – and we brushed up on some technical fundamentals that were hidden in the mists of routine testing.”

While they were being ferried around Guinea , Bryan and Quentin managed to catch a glimpse of a fascinating country.

"Guinea traffic has to be seen to be believed,” says Quentin. “Our way back from site on the Saturday afternoon we were involved in a seven lane traffic jam on a two lane road - for three hours. People were driving through dongas and front gardens to avoid the jam. We didn't see much of the countryside beyond the plant and the trip to and from Conakry . What we did see was densely vegetated and dramatic - but we were pleased to get home."